Pro Bono Initiatives Paralegal

Founded in 1841, Fordham is the Jesuit University of New York, offering an exceptional education distinguished by the Jesuit tradition to more than 16,000 students across its campuses in the Bronx, Manhattan, West Harrison, and other locations. It is committed to excellence and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement plans; life insurance; short‑ and long‑term disability; employee assistance program; tuition remission; and generous time off.

Reporting to the Director for Economic Justice and Pro Bono Initiatives, the Pro Bono Initiatives Paralegal provides programmatic and administrative support to the Center’s pro bono initiatives, including overseeing limited‑scope clinics, coordinating volunteer programming, supporting grants compliance and data collection, supervising AmeriCorps VISTA members and college interns, and interfacing with clients. The position requires some evening and weekend hours.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all administrative aspects of programs and manage data and record‑keeping, including grant reporting.
• Serve as lead non‑attorney staff person for fast‑paced, client‑facing clinics, planning, staffing, and running clinics with a client, volunteer, and community‑centered focus.
• Provide paralegal support: conduct pre‑screening, remote and in‑person client intakes, prepare and update templates and documents for attorneys and clients, liaise with court staff, and incorporate and support technology in providing limited‑scope legal services.
• Manage and train staff and volunteers on the Center’s case management system, LegalServer.
• Oversee outreach and communications related to programs, including community and prospective client engagement, training, partner engagement, and volunteer management.
• Work on the Center’s other pro bono programs, such as immigration, educational equity, and veteran’s rights programming.

Essential Functions:

Note: This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list. The University may assign additional related duties as necessary.

Management Responsibilities:

Provide peer‑level coordination or subject‑matter guidance to colleagues performing similar work and/or student, part‑time workers, including helping organize tasks, clarify priorities, or review work for quality or consistency.

Qualifications:

Education: Associate’s degree.

Experience: Minimum two years of pre‑professional or professional experience as a program coordinator, case handler, intake worker, legal assistant, paralegal, or similar roles. Experience in community outreach and engagement, including through social media.

Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrated commitment to social justice, including anti‑racism and economic justice. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively. Strong organizational skills and ability to balance multiple projects and deadlines. Spanish language professional proficiency.

Preferred Qualifications: Experience working with case management systems (preferably LegalServer) and other databases. Well‑developed written and public speaking skills. Proficiency with Google Workspace applications, including Google Sheets, and Excel.

Salary: Minimum Starting Salary: $74,000. Maximum Starting Salary: $78,000. Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and skills.

Physical Activity and Work Environment:

Sitting – Often; Repetitive Hand Motion (such as typing) – Often; Hearing, Listening, Talking – Often; Standing – Often; Walking – Often.

Work Environment: Office Environment; employees are protected from weather conditions or contaminants, but not necessarily occasional temperature changes.

EEO Statement: Fordham University is committed to excellence and welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. Fordham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.